I'm trying to decide what I'm going to do with the rear diff in the Sierra. I know that the correct 14-bolt will bolt in the truck, but I'm not exactly sure if it's the right fit for my application.

1) I know the rear end is extremely heavy. Does anyone know what a 9.5" 14-bolt actually weighs fully dressed?

2) Will my CalTracs work with the new rear end?

3) Does the rear end use c-clips? I can't find a c-clip eliminator kit, so I'm hoping that they don't. I'm not 100% sure what "semi-floating" means.

4) Can you get aftermarket axles for the 14-bolt?

My other option right now is an aftermarket 9"/12-bolt/S60. They're so expensive, but when you factor in an Eaton and another set of gears (unless I can find a 14-bolt setup w/ the 3.73s from the factory), the cost difference narrows a bit.

Any suggestions?

BTW, the new setup is going to be a 404...I'm hoping for 475-500whp on motor and plan on adding a 150-200 shot on top of that.

 

1.yes heavy!
2.yes,minor mods may be required.
3.?? got me
4.Yes
5.check car-part.com 05 sierra v-max would be a direct bolt on.

 

yes they do have c-clips
semi float means it got c-clips full float means you can pull the axles out with out having to remove the rearend cover and the axles pretty much float

9.5 semi
10.5 full
11.5 full

 

I'm wondering about a 14 bolt swap myself. How much parasitic HP loss with that big 14 bolt vs a 9" with say 30 spline axles? There's advantages and disadvantages and need to "weigh" them.

 

The 9.5 14 bolt is a very strong rear end. I ran mine in stock form for 2 years with 750+ rwhp. Never had any issues with mine until I started trying to move my 4600 pound TBSS off the trans brake with a shot of gas. And yes they do use c-clip axles and there are not alot of aftermarket parts for them but they are very strong to start with.